Nigeria held away in final qualifier in Algeria

Sport

Saturday 11 November 2017 - 12:50am

Algerian Carl Medjani (R)vies with Nigerian William Ekong during a World Cup 2018 qualifying football match between Algeria and Nigeria at Mohamed-Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine on November 11, 2017.
Photo: RYAD KRAMDI / AFP

Nov 10 (Reuters) - Already-qualified Nigeria failed to finish their preliminary campaign on a winning note but got in some good preparation for next year's World Cup in a feisty 1-1 draw away at Algeria on Friday.

Obi Mikel's midfield replacement John Ogu hammered home a left footed strike in the 63rd minute, taking advantage of a poor defensive clearance, to give Nigeria the lead, before Algeria were handed a soft penalty which Yacine Brahimi converted with two minutes to go.

Brahimi might have been sent off ten minutes earlier after appearing to head butt an opponent, but was only booked by Gabonese referee Eric Otogo.

Nigeria striker Tony Nwakaeme, on his debut, shot on the turn just before half-time as the Algerian defence failed to clear in their own penalty area and forced a sharp save out of goalkeeper Fawzi Chaouchi.

Five Leicester City players featured in the game in the city of Constantine – Mahrez and Slimani for the hosts and Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi both starting for Nigeria, with Ahmed Musa coming on as a substitute.